The Ohio Bobcats fired first-year coach Brian Smith for trigger, this system introduced Wednesday after earlier this month inserting him on depart for an “undetermined time period” and naming defensive coordinator John Hauser as interim coach.
Ohio College beforehand didn’t disclose particulars as to why it positioned Smith on depart, and after his firing, it cited “critical skilled misconduct” with out specifying the precise conduct that led to his ouster. The intent to terminate letter, nonetheless, outlines Smith’s alleged “extramarital affairs” — together with one with a graduate pupil — and accused him of consuming alcohol on the job.
College president Lori Stewart Gonzalez mentioned within the letter that Smith introduced “disrepute, scandal and mock” to the college for carrying on an affair on the Ohio College Inn. Gonzalez additionally mentioned that the college was conscious of Smith’s consuming of alcohol in his workplace in addition to his smelling strongly of alcohol and showing intoxicated at a public look.
“The termination follows an administrative assessment of allegations that Smith violated the phrases of his employment settlement by participating in critical skilled misconduct and collaborating in actions that replicate unfavorably on the College,” the college mentioned in a press release.
Hauser will coach the Bobcats of their bowl sport towards UNLV on Dec. 23 and run this system till a brand new rent is made.
Smith’s legal professional, Rex Elliott, disputes Ohio’s reasoning for the dismissal.
“We vigorously dispute Ohio College’s grounds for the termination for reason for Coach Brian Smith,” Elliott mentioned in a press release offered to CBS Sports activities’ Richard Johnson. “He’s shocked and dismayed by this flip of occasions, and we plan to combat this wrongful termination to guard his good title. Coach Smith is an moral man who has finished an exemplary job for the College. He needs nothing however one of the best for the gamers, coaches, and the whole Bobcat group.”
Smith was named the interim coach final yr when Tim Albin left to take the Charlotte job. Albin led Ohio to its first Mid-American Convention title since 1968 however departed previous to the Treatment Bowl. Smith then was promoted to full-time head coach. Earlier than arriving at Ohio in 2022, Smith was the offensive coordinator at Hawaii, his alma mater, and Washington State.
Hauser has spent most of his profession teaching within the MAC, with time at Northern Illinois and Miami (OH) earlier than becoming a member of the Bobcats’ workers in 2022. He is risen from safeties coach to defensive coordinator and affiliate head coach, and now will get a crack on the interim head teaching place.
